What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe

In the widely acclaimed book, “What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions” by Randall Munroe, the reader is led on a journey speculating an array of “what if” scenarios derived from the internet. Munroe, a former NASA roboticist and current creator of the popular web comic “xkcd”, applies a distinct amount of wit and scientific knowledge to answer questions that may have once been considered humorous, such as “What would happen if the Earth and all terrestrial objects simultaneously stopped spinning, but the atmosphere retained its velocity?”

Rather than provide a simple answer, Munroe breaks down each question, dissecting it and exploring it through meticulous research. He often employs graphs and diagrams to explain his findings and he equips readers with up to date explanations not only of the science behind the hypothesis, but also of the physics, chemistry, astronomy, and mathematics implicated within the question. Not only is his writing incredibly informative and thorough, it’s also incredibly approachable and accessible to even those who aren’t science savvy.

Throughout the book, Munroe presents numerous absurd hypothetical questions that range from the effects of generating a giant artificial kraken to solve the world’s energy crisis to the ramifications of the world’s population simultaneously jumping. With each question, Munroe is able to apply his scientific expertise to explain why the situation won’t occur or to dispel any myths about the circumstances.

The book is divided into four sections; Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry & Biology, Earth Science, and Mathematics & Technology. Within each section, readers are presented with an array of diverse ‘what if’ scenarios and Munroe’s explanations. For example, in the chapter “What would happen if everyone on Earth stood as close to each other as they could and jumped, everyone landing on the ground at the same instant?” Munroe begins by examining the effect the jump would have on the global ocean, exploring the physics and demonstrating how the energy generated from the event would lead to increased tides and waves. He later procedes to demonstrate the effect the jump would have on the Earth’s resources and climate.

Overall, Munroe’s humorous yet practical analysis of the physics and science behind numerous scenarios leaves the reader with a better understanding of the basic elements of science and a firm satisfaction of being able to tackle future hypothetical questions.In What If?, Munroe continues to demonstrate why he has become a globally renowned figure in the scientific community, proving why this book has since become an international bestseller.